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On this day in 1987, Rip Payne spent the day in the air. Apparently hanging out the side of a small plane, he took a series of overhead shots of what he labeled “K-Mart” but are actually better described as “Addition to Seminole Square,” or in some cases, “Views of the Airplane’s Wing.” The plaza, which at the time consisted of only the east side as we now know it (the Giant side), was being expanded to include a north side- which now houses a series of great shops like Pete’s Pet Forum.

Take a look for yourself– compare these images with a current map of the area. You can use this crude diagram as a reference tool (please don’t judge my Photoshop skills):

Some time ago, Peter Hedlund shared this awesome map overlay program—HistoryPin— where anyone can place historic images of places directly onto Google Maps- even street view! I attempted to plop this photo onto the current satellite images of the area, but I’m mostly disappointed. However, the program works much better in street view. Check out these examples from the local area of the McIntire Building, the JPA bridge, and West Main Street. Learn more about the uses of HistoryPin on the Encyclopedia Virginia blog.

On this day in 1965, Rip Payne documented the dedication of the new General Electric building. In a uniquely GE way, rather than cut a ribbon or crack open a bottle of champagne, the big wigs lined up and turned on some lights! WINA offered some sponsorship (microphones), and the tuxedo-clad fellows then dined banquet style. Since the 1980s, GE’s Intelligent Platforms (their computer technology segment) has been headquartered out of Charlottesville (they are located wayyy up 29 North), but not the same building that these men dedicated back in ’65.

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Then, having now fully entered wedding season, Rip Payne spent this day in 1986 photographing Robin Hanger’s big day. And lets just say, there’s no doubting we’re in the 80’s here, kids. We’re talking big hair, a bigger veil, puffy sleeves, and the tannest skin you’ve ever seen. It is fantastic. I know you will enjoy these!

By the way, Robin’s wedding, like my own upcoming nuptials will, took place in Christ Episcopal Church. But they let her put down a white runner. Hmmm…

On this day in 1984, my parents also stayed pretty busy, as they were getting married. Happy Anniversary!!

They are going to kill me for this...

Just for the record, Rip Payne had nothing to do with that picture. He did, however, have quite a lot to do with the rest of these.

First up, in 1961, Rip Payne snapped a single shot of a woman being awarded (inducted?) by the Order of Easter Star, a co-ed fraternal organization. According to their website, the Order is a spiritual, though not religious, organization with the specific values of charity, education, fraternity, and science. It is a suborder of Freemasonry, and requires all members to have Masonic connections. Today, the Charlottesville Eastern Star Order resides at 425 East Main Street (pictured to the left), with masonic symbols clearly marking the territory.

Then, in 1965, Rip Payne captured the marquis advertising the Paramount Theater’s showing of The Night Walker. The film was directed by William Castle and starred Robert Taylor and Barbara Stanwick in her final feature film. The film, according to reviews, wasn’t all that great. But, the Paramount is truly in all its glory here. It is set on what was still a street-scape at this time (not the paved pedestrian mall of today), and I can just picture it all lit up against the night sky with those big bright lights. Can you tell that I have my rose-colored glasses on?

Finally, in 1968, Rip Payne documented another awards ceremony, this time at a different type of fraternal organization, Leggett’s. Leggett’s was the precursor to the Belk we know today, and at this time resided on the “Mall” (or, more appropriately, East Main before it was the Mall) not Fashion Square Mall, where Belk now lives. I guess they didn’t get very creative with their changes.

Don’t you just love cat-eye glasses?!?!

I will leave you with this:

Rip Payne stayed busy today. My parents had the most important day of their lives today. The lady in the picture above knew enough to drink her coffee and drink it black today. Don’t let the spirit die. Be productive, and accomplish something great today!

He spent the day at THE putt putt palace on Rio Road, snapping shots of the latest crowned Southeastern Putt Putt Queen.

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Didn’t know such a thing existed? Don’t be foolish. Back in the 1960s, even South Africa had a Putt Putt Queen!

It is worth mentioning that in the late 1960s, the putt putt business had really gone a tad overboard. In addition to this full-blown international beauty contest, they published a regular newsletter, established a motto (“America’s Newest Professional Sport”) and even enlisted a chaplain (perhaps to cut down on the cursing when those *&@$ed windmills ate your ball?).

The appearance of “Miss Putt Putt,” as Rip named her in 1968, may have been a recurrence of the previous year’s PPA Tournament as part of the Charlottesville Dogwood Festival. This 1967 tournament included a $1000 prize, a parade of national beauty queens, and an appearance by Ken Boy, the 1966 “Putter of the Year.”

Rip Payne kept busy today in 1965. The rest of his career, not so much. At least according to the nearly 20% that has been accessioned thus far. So really, he probably did, but we don’t know yet…

Anyhow, Rip Payne spent the day fishing with the Virginia Trout Company of Monterey, Virginia. Incidentally, the company is still in business today. For those of you who, like me, have no bloody idea where Monterey is, here’s a map. Basically, the town resides in a little valley in Highland County (with whom we have visited before), tucked between the George Washington and Monongahela National Forests about two hours northwest of Charlottesville. Rip did not spend the day in the cozy little town, however. The company — here consisting of Pops, Junior, and Boss-Man — and photographer trucked over to the Boar’s Head to do their trout fishing.

Sometime before or after the fishing expedition, however, Payne photographed the remnants of a break-in at Crozet Lumber. The criminals were relatively smart, choosing to hack into the safe rather than attempt to steal the company’s capital. After locking myself out of my own safe recently, I (or, more accurately, my fiancé) was forced to saw my (his) way in. The 1965 robbers, on the other hand, decided to just hack the lock off. And judging from the photos, it took a few tries…

So now that I’ve schooled you in breaking into personal safes, I think I’ll just let you look at pictures…

Today, as you may be aware, is Thomas Jefferson’s birthday. As the crowds gather at Monticello today to celebrate the omnipresent Charlottesvillian’s would-be 269th birthday, I’ll take you back 66 years to 1946, when local civic organizations and Jeffersonian-minded individuals gathered to celebrate his 203rd birthday.

In the present, the Tom Tom Founders Festival will also be opening today, with a free gala. The apparently SXSW-inspired festival will be hosting a number of talks and events throughout the month, geared toward innovation, music, and the arts.

So, whether you choose to celebrate in the here and now or the then and there, you are just stuck with some Jefferson today. So enjoy it!

On this day in 1968, Rip Payne spent the day with Mrs. Mayhue of 1922 Greenbrier Drive.* Her house, built in 1957, was located across the street from Greenbrier Elementary School, pictured here. The school, however, was slightly newer, having been built a mere 4 years prior. It appears that whatever Mrs. Mayhue’s involvement with the school, she enjoyed having the children around.

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*Payne had notoriously terrible spelling, as well as handwriting in general. It is quite likely that “Mayhue” should have been “Mayhew,” a more popular spelling of the name.